First report of Bakanae disease caused byFusarium proliferatumon rice in Turkey

The Bakanae disease caused byGibberella fujikuroispecies complex is one of the major fungal diseases of rice. It is present in the major rice production areas in the world. In 2016, field surveys were conducted from rice germination to maturity. Four isolates ofFusarium proliferatumassociated with Bakanae disease were obtained from infected rice plants and identified using morphological and molecular-based methods. Pathogenicity tests were carried on susceptible rice variety. Initially, pale green to yellowing of leaves and thinner plants were observed. Then, these plants turned brownish and died, while control plants showed no symptoms. All isolates were found to be pathogenic. The disease severity values ranged from 27 to 66%. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the presence ofF. proliferatumcausing Bakanae disease on rice in Turkey.

Automated summary

The Bakanae disease caused by Fusarium proliferatum is an important fungal disease of rice, and this study reported for the first time in Turkey. Infected rice plants showed symptoms of yellowing leaves, thinner plants, and eventual death.